Bursting at the seams with power, the JT32 is the next generation of drilling, packing performance and strength into a sleek package.
When JCL Drilling’s General Manager Ray Johnson describes the Ditch Witch JT32 as a ‘beautiful drill’, he’s not just talking aesthetics.
For a company navigating New Zealand’s notoriously tricky terrain, from sugar sand to fractured rock, beauty comes from performance, reliability, and comfort. And for Johnson, the JT32 delivers on all fronts.
“Our operator absolutely loves this machine,” he said. “It’s built to work hard, but it makes the job feel a whole lot easier.”
Based in New Zealand, JCL Drilling is a relatively new player in the market. However, it’s led by industry veterans who know what it takes to deliver results in challenging conditions.
With a strong focus on water and sewer upgrades for local councils, Johnson’s team is no stranger to long shots, tight deadlines, and demanding ground conditions.
That’s exactly why the JT32 stood out.
“The cab is on a whole new level compared to anything else,” Johnson said. “When you’re reaming or pulling long shots all day, comfort becomes a big part of productivity.
“And this drill was clearly designed with the operator in mind.”
The JT32’s first job with JCL Drilling was a serious test of its capabilities. The project involved 2200m of loose rock around Lake Rotomā in Rotorua, an area known for putting drilling equipment through its paces. From day one on the project, the JT32 proved itself.
“The machine felt comfortable and responsive the whole way through,” Johnson said. “It never hesitated under pressure. And when we hit sugar sand, something every driller dreads, the JT32 just powered through with a 16-inch reamer. That kind of spindle torque is a game changer.”
Another key feature for JCL has been the drill’s onboard capacity and fluid power. With 180m of rod onboard, the JT32 dramatically cuts down on time spent reloading, especially on longer bores.
“That’s a huge productivity win,” Johnson said. “And the 70GPM mud pump is absolutely essential when pulling big pipe. You need solid flow to keep the hole clean, and this system delivers exactly that.”
With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Johnson has spent time on range of rigs, but says nothing compares to the JT32.
“It’s by far the smoothest and most comfortable drill I’ve ever run.”
The machine’s performance is backed by a partnership with Ditch Witch CEA, which Johnson credits as a major factor in JCL Drilling’s rapid growth. For a new business with a full workload, dependable service and support have been essential.
“The team at Ditch Witch CEA have been incredible,” he said. “If we hit a snag, they’re on-site within the hour. They’ve even met us after hours with parts and tooling. That kind of support is rare and makes a real difference in keeping our projects on track.”
With high-performance equipment, experienced leadership, and dedicated service from Ditch Witch CEA, JCL Drilling is building a strong reputation in the New Zealand trenchless market one successful project at a time.
For more information, visit ditchwitchcea.com.au